Missoula Children’s Theatre Workshop Returns for The Wiz of the West 6/13

The always-popular Missoula Children's Theatre invites participants entering first grade through age 18 to audition for a role in The Wiz of the West, on Monday, Jun. 13, 10am, in the Opera House Café Theatre. All participants must be available for rehearsals, June 13-18, from 10 am - 2:30 pm and the final performance, Saturday, June 18 at 3 pm.

Auditions will last approximately 2 hours; 50 to 60 kids will be selected. Please make sure that your child wears comfortable clothing (and tennis shoes). If selected, participants should be prepared to pay the $80 workshop fee at this time (cash or check only, please, made out to NVOH). Late payments will defer participation.

Practice schedules vary depending on what part your child plays; schedules will be distributed after auditions. Some children will be asked to stay and begin rehearsals directly after auditions. Bring a sack lunch for your child, just in case.

* A very limited number of scholarships are available. To request a scholarship, please email your request - and why you are seeking support - to info@nvoh.org

Final Performance: Saturday, June 18, 3pm, $15 adults; $10 ages 12 and under / seniors 65 and over

The Wiz of the West
Conceived and Written by Michael McGill
Music and Lyrics by Michael McGill
Missoula Children's Theatre presents THE WIZ OF THE WEST, the classic story, THE WIZARD OF OZ, but with a twist...or should we say, twister?! Follow Tinhorn, Lionel, Scared Crow, Dotty and, of course, her little dog Mooch through a saga of Western adventure and personal discovery. First they tangle with Mad Dog's gang of bad, barkin', back-bitin' hounds who work for the meanest old witch in the West, Hawknose Halley. Then they encounter the brainless Buzzards and the terrifying Tarantulas. The singin' Coyotes help move things along while Ma and Pa Munch and the rest of the Munch Kin point out the way to Dr. Ozzy, the Wizard of Frontier Medicine. Which way is that? Why Westward, o' course! THE WIZ OF THE WEST...a fairy tale with a twang!

About Missoula Children's Theatre
The development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.

We live in a highly competitive era. Youngsters are introduced at an early age to the critical realities of our achievement- and success-oriented society. From academics to athletics to social interaction, children are pressured to get the best grades, to score the most points, to have the most friends. At the same time, segments of our society tend to view the arts as a luxury, a frill, an extra-curricular activity running a distant second to the popular status of sports. Add to these conditions the natural curiosity of the child, the tendency toward self-exploration, the adolescent impatience to put away the things of the child and emulate adult role models-for better or for worse. Pressure. MCT approaches children with a full awareness of these conditions and strives to use participation in the performing arts as a vehicle to develop the life skills (social skills, communication skills, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, an understanding of the team concept and self-esteem) necessary to answer the challenges of our time.

Although MCT's programs tour to major metropolitan centers, MCT remains dedicated to providing financially accessible arts experiences to all communities, regardless of size or economic status. Many of the communities served by MCT are isolated, culturally deprived and/or economically depressed. Live theatre participation, qualified drama teachers and educationally sound music programs within the curriculum are often non-existent or low on the priority scale. Constructive opportunities in the performing arts are rare, and the chance to spark a new interest often goes unkindled. MCT's programs can and do provide the kindling to ignite the flame of interest.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where responsibility is taught and learned so clearly. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual-a lesson from art that carries into life.

Unsolicited testimonials to the practical value of MCT participation are received on an almost daily basis. A stronger performance in a geography, oral report, better grades, a healthier rapport with teachers and classmates, confident self-control in that first job interview, an increased sense of tolerance and respect for others, tunnel-vision enthusiasm for the most challenging project, a blossoming imagination and sense of individuality, a perceptible sense of emotional and physical well-being-a happier child; these are among the positive results of MCT participation often noted by parents and educators alike. Yes, MCT provides a top-quality entertainment experience for audience members. Yes, MCT nurtures and challenges the abilities of those rare children with career performance ambitions and potential. Yes, MCT provides a healthy and wholesome ambassadorship for the arts and opens the door to new life experiences and aesthetic pleasures. But, the primary goal of MCT is the organization's mission: The development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.

When: Auditions (first grade - age 18): Monday, June 13, 10am
in the Opera House Cafe Theatre
Residency workshop week: June 13 - 17
Final Performance: Saturday, June 18, 3pm

What: Missoula Children's Theatre: The Wiz of the West

A week-long workshop for local children and teens first grade- age 18

Where: Napa Valley Opera House - 1030 Main Street, downtown Napa

Price: Auditions: Free
Residency workshop week (June 13 - 17): $80/child
Final Performance: Saturday, June 18, 3pm
$15 adults; $10 ages 12 and under / seniors 65 and over
Tickets: 707.226.7372, NVOH.org or in person at the NVOH box office at 1030 Main Street, Napa

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